The conversation turned to the root of the divide—finances, growth, and who would be qualified enough to help make the tough decisions.

"My highest priorities are someone who is strong and can help us figure out our financial issues, because we have lots of them," board President Amanda Rice said.

Vice President Greg Sanders countered that statement by arguing that the issues of finances are a red herring.

"The finances of this district is not as distressed as some of the board members here are trying to make out," Sanders said.

The board split recently with a 3-2 vote to purchase the old Cambria Library that will be renovated and used as district offices. Rice and Harry Farmer, the newest members of the board, were in the minority vote. The project is estimated to cost the district almost $1 million. That's on top of the $14 million already spent on the Sustainable Water Facility, which is still in the process of getting a permanent development permit from the California Coastal Commission.

During the almost four-hour special meeting on Sept. 19, the board was able to narrow the pool of applicants down to six but couldn't agree on a new director. Eight nominations were made from both sides of the board but all ended with split 2-2 votes. Board member Jim Bahringer and Sanders on one side; Rice and Farmer on the other.